"I absolutely cannot wait to try this new piece of gear. A weatherproof, bug proof hammock that I can also use as a bivy on the ground? I'm sold. The outdoors and military communities have been waiting for something like this."

- U.S. Navy SEAL Chief, 10 Years

Thanks for checking out our Alpine Hammock Project on Kickstarter. What started as a relentless pursuit to find the lightest and fastest outdoor gear on the market has led us to developing this super light, protective, and comfortable shelter.

What is the Alpine Hammock?

The Alpine Hammock is a patent-pending outdoor shelter that combines the best features of both backpacking hammocks and bivy sacks: lightweight construction, protection from the weather and overall comfort. It can be used like a traditional hammock tied between two trees and in the absence of trees it can be laid on the ground and used as a free-standing bivy sack.

Testing the Alpine Hammock above 12,000ft in Columbine Pass, Colorado

Why is the Alpine Hammock Unique?

1.) Use as a traditional hammock (waterproof nylon)

2.) Built-in, zip-on bug net (no-see-um netting)

3.) Built-in, zip-on rainfly (waterproof-breathable material)

4.) Ground-use as a traditional bivy sack

You'll never have to purchase (and carry) additional bug netting, rain tarps, and multiple tie-out ropes as is common with most backpacking hammocks. The Alpine Hammock removes this unnecessary bulk and complexity from your outdoor experience. Our Alpha Prototype weighs approximately 1.4lbs (22.4oz) and we aim to reduce the weight even further for our Production Prototype. We plan to manufacture them in the USA and have talked to companies in NH, VT, and CO to mass produce.

The Alpine Hammock Team:

Ryan Stolp (left, Patagonia) and Mike Brown (right, Mount Washington)

Mike Brown and Ryan Stolp are two engineering graduates from Tufts University who spend most of their time outside hiking and climbing in New Hampshire. Mike is originally from Maine and has his Masters Degree in Engineering Management. He was a winner of the Tufts University $100k Business Plan Competition in 2010 and is an alumni of the MassChallenge Global Startup Competition. Ryan is originally from North Carolina and has his Bachelors Degree in Engineering Psychology. He has worked as a human factors engineer, a strategic designer, and a wilderness ranger. In his free time he has designed many custom pieces of outdoor gear including backpacks specific to ice/rock climbing as well as hammocks and bivy sacks. A special shout-out also goes to Sarah Lockwood who helped us with our early designs and prototypes.

Why Support the Alpine Hammock?

We have devoted all of our available time and energy into developing this awesome product. Unfortunately, being two recent college graduates, we lack the personal resources to give this project the funding it requires and deserves. All we really want is to put this product into the hands of like-minded outdoors enthusiasts. However, without the Kickstarter Community (read: YOU) to help us out, it would take years before you'd see the Alpine Hammock available on the market.

These Kickstarter funds will allow us to:

1.) Enter a robust gear-testing phase with outdoor enthusiasts, mountain guides, and a team of US Navy SEALs.

2.) Purchase bulk quantities of material (hundreds of yards of waterproof fabric, zippers, and thread) for our first production runs.

3.) Make a dent in paying legal fees for trademark, copyright, and patenting.

Check Out Our Rewards ------>

Consider donating even just $1 toward our project. We are excited about this project and we hope that you are too, we just can't reach our goal without YOUR help.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $20 or more
About $20

Alpine Supporter: You'll get the above shout-out as well as a Postcard with a picture of us on an adventure using the Alpine Hammock. You're pledge is really helping us to have fun and hang safe in the backcountry.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $35 or more
About $35

Alpine Enthusiast: You'll get the above plus a vacuum insulated bottle with our logo on it. We never leave home without a mug of tea so have fun with your first ever piece of Alpine Hammock swag. (Add $15 for international shipping outside the U.S.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $45 or more
About $45

Alpine Performer: You'll be sporting our Performance Tech T-Shirt (read: synthetic and moisture wicking) with our new logo. Wear it around town or in the mountains, either way it'll keep you dry. (Add $15 for international shipping outside the U.S.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $80 or more
About $80

Alpine Explorer: You'll get the above plus a Performance Tech T-Shirt with our logo. We wouldn't wear cotton while exploring the outdoors so neither should you. Be the first to rep the Alpine Hammock on your back and wear it proudly. (Add $15 for international shipping outside the U.S.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $300 or more
About $300

Alpine Lead User: You'll receive the Production-Ready Version Alpine Hammock and be among the first in the world to use one in the backcountry. This reward does not include the bottle or the shirt, just the shelter itself. (Add $15 for international shipping outside the U.S.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $600 or more
About $600

Alpha Gear Tester: You'll receive our alpha prototype meant for gear testing meaning you'll guaranteed to be the first to get an Alpine Hammock. We want your feedback so our production version can be even better with your input. When you complete our gear review form, we'll then send you the Production Alpine Hammock when it's ready to go and you can keep the Alpha Prototype as well. The bottle and shirt are not included. (Add $15 for international shipping outside the U.S.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $800 or more
About $800

Alpine Guide: You'll receive 2 Production Version Alpine Hammocks, 2 bottles, and 2 shirts. You're a backcountry leader who frequently takes people with you on trips. Enjoy the additional Alpine Hammock and take a friend with you. (Add $15 for international shipping outside the U.S.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

Alpine Extremist: You'll receive 4 Production Version Alpine Hammocks along with 2 bottles, and 2 shirts. But wait, that's not all, we'll also take you on a 2-day guided trip anywhere in New England. (Add $15 for international shipping outside the U.S.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,800 or more
About $2,800

Alpine Angel: You'll receive 10 Production Version Alpine Hammocks so you can be the first to stock up (and/or sell) the Alpine Hammock. We'll also throw in a bottle and a shirt so you can rep our gear in the outdoors. (Add $15 per Alpine Hammock for international shipping outside the U.S.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

Alpine God: You are truly a legend in our eyes and we'll be forever grateful for your support. We'll send you 2 Production Version Alpine Hammocks with your name or favorite phrase embroidered on the rainfly. We'll also include 2 bottles, 2 shirts, and a 2-day Guided Trip in New England. If there's anything else we can do to improve your Alpine Hammock experience please let us know and we can likely work something out.